American Ash

American
Ash (Fraxinus spp./ Oleaceae). The genus Fraxinus
(Ashes)
contains from 40 to 70 species that grow in the north
temperate regions of Central
and North America and Eurasia. All species look alike at the cellular
level. Ash trees can attain heights of 80 feet with straight trunks.
Ash sapwood is light brown and the heartwood is a dark brown.
The wood has a straight grain and is strong, hard, stiff and heavy.
It has high shock resistance (baseball bats) and varies in other
properties. Ash is used for baseball bats, boxes and crates, flooring,
hand tools, handle stock, millwork, sporting goods, and un-upholstered
furniture.